Decadent Diligence

So, for those of you in the know, Southern Decadence is THE party. Most folks usually arrive the Thursday or Friday of Labor day, and stay for a 24/4 party, complete with dance, drink, and eats. This year, we made all of our reservations, long before Gustav was a butterfly flapping it's wings. Since we were to leave on Tuesday, we figured we were pretty safe. Well, at least until, New Orleans told us to evacuate.

Fully expecting nothing but mayhem on Sunday (evacuation day), we decided that we might as well enjoy our Saturday evening.

We start out on Iberville. As Bourbon (the hub of all New Orleans activity), comes in to view, we notice, well, nothing. Boarded up bars and nothing on the streets but the saw dust from those boards.

Bourbon Street looked like a proverbial ghost town, not a person, or a car could be seen. Nothing but our own footsteps and heartbeats could be heard. That is, until the pitter patter of our feet were replace with the "Thud thud thud thud" of the driving beat coming from OZ.

A sigh of relief (sigh). Thank goodness we were not the only three who ventured out. Even more thankful that we didn't somehow miss the message that we were supposed to be gone all ready!

And so, we partied the night away, some expressing their fears, some making nervous jokes, but most making the best of the evening.

At about midnight, hunger took it's toll, so we headed out to our ritual spot The Clover Grill. George is cooking, as he is every year. Music up, dancing, seemingly calm in this most unsettling of times. But, wait... As we look around we notice, there isn't anyone taking orders, no one ringing up tabs.

Seeing the need for some help, Carlos Saenz, a Dallas musician, jumped up and started taking charge, and orders. "Ok, you see George is backed up, so, we're going to make this easy, order the simple items like burgers please" (this is a paraphrase of course).

Another visitor was busing tables (never got his name) and the evening went slowly, but smoothly.

And George continued to dance and cook the night away.

It never ceases to amaze me how people come together in times of crisis.

Continued in next post.